Background: The scene of the crash on Route 222 in Richmond Township, Pennsylvania (WCAU/YouTube). Insets (from top to bottom): Walnuttown Fire Company Chief Jeffory Buck and Walnuttown Fire Company Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr. (Walnuttown Fire Department).
In a tragic incident in Pennsylvania, two volunteer firefighters who were conducting a search for a missing woman were killed when a car unexpectedly swerved off the road and hit them, according to authorities.
Alexander Sepulveda Rivera, 26, faces a multitude of charges, including two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, two counts of homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury, and DUI, Berks County District Attorney John Adams said at a press conference streamed by regional NBC affiliate WCAU. Sepulveda is accused of causing the deaths of Walnuttown Fire Company Chief Jeffory Buck, 60, and Walnuttown Fire Company Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., 56.
On the evening of April 4, emergency responders were actively searching for a 60-year-old woman who had gone missing near Fleetwood, a small borough in Berks County, situated approximately 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Among those participating in the search were members of the Walnuttown Fire Company.
Firefighters Buck and Shick were traveling in a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) along the shoulder of Route 222, also referred to as Kutztown Road. They were moving at a moderate speed, as described by Adams. Concurrently, Rivera was reportedly operating a Toyota Camry erratically, weaving across the road.
Without warning, Rivera’s vehicle veered out of its lane and onto the shoulder, colliding head-on with the UTV, Adams reported.
Witnesses stated that Rivera, along with another individual in his car, fled the scene immediately following the crash. Thanks to witness accounts, authorities were able to apprehend the pair nearby.
After being informed of his rights, Rivera confessed to being the driver of the vehicle. He claimed to have fallen asleep and admitted to using marijuana that day. Authorities also discovered a crack pipe in his possession, which he acknowledged was his, according to Adams.
The DA noted that Sepulveda did not have a driver’s license, and he didn’t believe that the defendant ever had one. He said that Rivera submitted to a blood test.
Rivera was booked into jail. Authorities made no mention of the person with Rivera being charged or suspected of a crime.
The crash has resulted in an outpouring of condolences for Buck and Shick.
“Rest easy chiefs, we got it from here,” the Walnuttown Fire Company posted on its Facebook page.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick of the Walnuttown Fire Company, who gave their lives in the line of duty while conducting a search on April 4, 2026,” Pennsylvania state Sen. Chris Gebhard said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, fellow firefighters, and the entire community as they mourn this tragic loss.”
